Monday, 13 November 2017

Sometimes it is so good to find out a band will return that you haven't heard from in a while. We didn't hear from Millionaire, kind of Tim van Hamel's personal project, in around ten years. Earlier this year they were back with a new album and I got to see them twice at festivals. But now I finally could see a full show again.

I'm sure glad this band is back since both those performances tasted like more! The one at the ITGWO festival was a bit awkward as it was in the middle of a hot sunny afternoon and not many people made it to the main stage where the band was rocking hard. Tonight the venue across the water in Amsterdam isn't sold out but has filled up nicely. 45acidbabies does a great job warming us up with hooky electro punk rock songs. We're so ready for Millionaire now on this rainy Saturday night in November!

The Belgian band doesn't need much time to warm up themselves and light the fire immediately from the start. It's good to see I'm not the only one who is eager to see them play again as people start rocking and dancing right away. Tim van Hamel is a delight to watch with his crazy moves. Better even, his guitar playing is incredible with screaming solos and big heavy riffs, backed up by a tight band.

Of course there are plenty of Queens of the Stone Age references in the groovy rock songs and van Hamel must get tired of questions about his relation to Josh Homme who helped him out in the beginning of Millionaire's career. By now he doesn't need his help any more, as he's talented and skilled enough on his own to play inspired rock music. The songs on the new LP Sciencing are catchy and heavy, and full of twists and turns that can make your head spin. Best of all they are great to dance to, so van Hamel must have picked up that from Homme.

It is simply too hard to stand still with songs like 'I'm Not Who You Think You Are' or the mysterious 'Little Boy Blue'. Of course they kick out a head splitting 'Champagne' as well. Yes, it is so good to have this band back again.